Treuer, Allan J.

Allan J. Treuer passed away June 12th at age 96. Survived by his 
daughterChristin, and grandson Phillip, of Littleton, Colorado, and 
granddaughter Robin of Phoenix, Arizona. Further, survived by 
long time friend Barbara Blethen. Predeceased by his wife Jean 
Branchflowr Treuer, wife Phyllis Treuer, and son Robert. Also 
predeceased by brother Robert and nephew Lawrence. A life-long 
resident of Seattle, attended Broadway High School, and University 
of Washington, where he was President of his fraternity, Delta Tau 
Delta. Mr. Treuer was a Pre-Pearl Harbor volunteer in the United 
States army, serving as an infantry officer, including the 10th 
Mountain Infantry Division. His overseas service included North 
Africa, Italy, Southern France invasion, and the Battle of the Bulge. 
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. Mr. 
Treuer was for 25 years owner of North Star Ice Equipment 
Company, taking a fledgling company to a world-leading position 
in its field. The equipment operates in well over 100 states, 
including plants that produce thousands of tons of ice per day, 
many in remote areas of the globe. One such, in the jungles of 
Uruguay, produced 2,200 tons of flake ice daily to cool the 
concrete in a huge dam. The equipment made, stored, and 
automatically delivered the ice in measured batches. North Star 
was the second company in the state to fly the U.S. "Export E" flag, 
following only Boeing. Mr. Treuer took great pride in the fact that 
in 25 years, in good times and bad, he never laid off an employee. 
In 1948 the new reinforced concrete building in which Mr. Treuer 
worked was completely destroyed in a shattering explosion. The 
four people in the building all died. By chance, Mr. Treuer had left 
his car two blocks away to be lubricated. He left the building to 
pick up the car two minutes before the explosion. An 
accomplished skier, he won a Sun Valley Gold Sun racing down 
Mount Baldy. A top marksman, he led his regiment in the .45 
caliber pistol division, shooting 93% bulls eyes. Because of his 
wartime experience, he never fired a gun again. An avid golfer, he 
treasured the friendships and the camaraderie forged on the links. 
He made six holes in one. Blessed with a sense of humor, he 
enjoyed telling a good story. An aficionado of Dixieland Jazz as 
well as Big Band music, he accumulated thousands of records, 
from which he made tapes for dozens of friends ranging from 
Scotland to Australia. During his annual trips to Europe, he 
searched for original antique maps of the Pacific Northwest dated 
from 16th to 19th centuries, eventually acquiring over 100, which 
are now preserved in the Northwest Collection of the University of 
Washington Library. Mr. Treuer has made major bequests together 
with his wife Phyllis. Because of family history involving diabetes 
and Huntington's disease, they endowed a Chair at Children's 
Hospital for the study of genetic diseases. He also endowed a 
Chair at the University of Washington Medical School for study of 
long-term pain because of the family's association with Dr. Chan 
Gunn. In addition, he was endowed the Allan Treuer and Dr. Ted 
Wagner Chair for stem cell research in spinal surgery. He has also 
endowed a Professorship for Dr. Deborah Schwin, Head of the 
Anesthesiology Department. In addition, he has made major gifts 
to the University's School of Urban Horticulture and the University 
of Washington Library and its Northwest Collection for which the 
University made him a Laureate of the University of Washington 
and a member of the Suzzallo Society. He is also making a major 
gift to the Medic One Foundation. Member of Broadmoor Golf 
Club, Seattle Tennis Club, and Seattle Yacht Club. Funeral services 
will be private, followed by burial at Acacia. Remembrances to 
your favorite charity.

Published in The Seattle Times from June 18 to June 20, 2010